« | Proverbs 3 | » |
1 My son, don't forget my teaching. Remember what I tell you to do.
2 What I teach will give you a good, long life, and all will go well for you.
3 Don't ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart.
4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.
5 Trust in the Lord completely, and don't depend on your own knowledge.
6 With every step you take, think about what the Lord wants, and he will help you go the right way.
7 Don't trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil.
8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and the first part of your harvest.
10 Then your barns will be full of grain, and your barrels will be overflowing with wine.
11 My son, don't reject the Lord's discipline, and don't be angry when he corrects you.
12 The Lord corrects the one he loves, just as a father corrects a child he cares about.
13 Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding.
14 Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold.
15 Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels. Nothing you desire has more value.
16 With her right hand, Wisdom offers long life—with the other hand, riches and honor.
17 Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace.
18 Wisdom is like a life-giving tree to those who hold on to her; she is a blessing to those who keep her close.
19 With wisdom and understanding, the Lord created the earth and sky.
20 With his knowledge, he made the oceans and the clouds that produce rain.
21 My son, don't ever let wisdom out of your sight. Hold on to wisdom and careful planning.
22 They will bring you a long life filled with honor.
23 As you go through life, you will always be safe and never fall.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you rest, your sleep will be peaceful.
25 You have no reason to fear some sudden disaster. The Lord will be your strength. Never fear the destruction that comes to the wicked. The Lord will protect you from that trap.
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27 Do everything you possibly can for those who need help.
28 If your neighbor needs something you have, don't say, "Come back tomorrow." Give it to him immediately.
29 Don't make plans to harm your neighbor, who lives near you and trusts you.
30 Don't take people to court without good reason, especially when they have done nothing to harm you.
31 Don't envy those who are violent. Never choose to be like them.
32 Such crooked people are disgusting to the Lord. But he is a friend to those who are good and honest.
33 The Lord curses a wicked family, but he blesses the homes of those who live right.
34 He will humiliate those who make fun of others, but he is kind to those who are humble.
35 The way the wise live will bring them honor, but the way fools live will bring them shame.
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) is a Bible translation specifically designed to be accessible and comprehensible for people with limited reading skills or those for whom English is a second language. Originally published in 1987 by the World Bible Translation Center, the ERV was initially developed to serve the deaf community, using a simplified vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures. The goal of the ERV is to make the scriptures understandable to a wide range of readers, ensuring that everyone can grasp the essential messages of the Bible without being hindered by complex language or archaic terms.
One of the defining characteristics of the ERV is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators employed a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in plain, everyday English. This approach ensures that readers can easily comprehend the Bible’s teachings and narratives, making it a valuable resource for children, new Christians, and those with limited literacy skills. The ERV avoids technical theological terms and instead uses language that is commonly spoken, making it accessible for personal study and public reading alike.
The ERV also pays careful attention to the cultural and contextual nuances of the original manuscripts. The translators sought to present the Bible’s messages in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary readers while maintaining faithfulness to the original texts. This cultural sensitivity helps bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern readers, allowing them to connect more deeply with the biblical stories and teachings. Additionally, the ERV includes helpful footnotes and cross-references that provide further explanation and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the ERV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the simplified language and thought-for-thought approach can sometimes result in a loss of depth and richness found in the original texts. Some theologians believe that the ERV’s emphasis on accessibility may lead to oversimplification of complex theological concepts. Nonetheless, the Easy-To-Read Version remains a highly valuable translation for its target audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps people of all backgrounds engage with and understand the scriptures.